Just a quarter of the season left and finally a week where we see a full slate of Big Ten action. All 12 teams playing head-to-head giving us both quantity and quality as we preview week nine of the Big Ten action.
Minnesota at Indiana
A surprisingly hot Gopher team heads to Indiana to take on a Hoosier team that has not had a difficult time scoring points thus far this season . The 3-4 Hoosiers have hit the meat of their schedule as they've lost their last two games to Michigan and Michigan State and now play a Minnesota team who is coming off a win against 24th ranked Nebraska. The Gophers have won their last two dating back to the victory of Northwestern two weeks ago. They must not overlook the Hoosiers however as they are averaging 42.4 points ago which ranks eighth best in the nation. Led by quarterback Nate Sudfeld Indiana also ranks 10th in passing with 342.7 yards per game. A win for either team will help their momentum heading into the last quarter of the season.
Illinois at Penn State
After starting the season out 3-1 Illinois has lost their last three games in a row and travel to Happy Valley to meet the pass happy Nittnay Lions. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase started the first four games of the season throwing 12 touchdown passes and just three interceptions. He now has zero touchdown passes in his last three games with two interceptions, a dramatic drop off in play. The running game hasn't helped, it has been non-exsistent for the Fighting Illini as they rank 93rd in the nation in rushing yards per game. Things won't get much easier for them as they are still seeking their first conference win this season.
Penn State on the other hand has just one Big Ten win, but it came against 18h ranked Michigan in a four overtime thriller. They followed that up however, with a 63-14 thrashing from Ohio State and will go back to the drawing board this week. At 4-3 thus far the Nittnay Lions have had success in certain areas specifically passing the ball as they currently rank 30th in the country with 277 yards per game. Led by freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg who has thrown for 1,728 yards and 12 touchdowns on the year and has shown all the signs of a bonafide leader for years to come. This game could get ugly if Illinois can't keep up with Pan State's passing attack in front of their home crowd.
Northwestern at Nebraska
Head coach Bo Pelini's job may be in jeopardy as a 5-2 Nebraska team has underachieved so far this season to some specifically after a loss to the Gophers last Saturday. The Cornhuskers looked out of rhythm and had littleenergy as they tried to adjust back to starter Taylor Martinez at quarterback. Its obvious Nebraska has has a difficult time adjusting to the quarterback carousel with the injury to Martinez as they have leaned on his feet in the running game, a big reason why they rank 13th in the nation with 271.1 yards per game. With just a quarter of the season left a run of the table by Nebraska could put them in the Big Ten title game, but they must first beat Northwestern.
The Wildcats have had plenty of issues of their own after a 4-0 start they have lost their lost four games. Starting with an emotional loss to Ohio State and mixed with injuries to key guys like quarterback Kain Colter its been a difficult situation to mend out for head coach Pat Fitzgerald. With Colter back in and healthy they are a much more efficient offense. But has the team already given up on the season with a difficult schedule looming? Their intensity Saturday against Nebraska will tell us how much heart they have left.
Ohio State at Purdue
The conferences best team versus its worst. I'l keep this one short and sweet. The Buckeyes will make quick work of the Boilmakers who have lost their last five games in a row while putting up just seven points in their last two games combined. Ohio State on the other hand ranks fifth in the nation with 47.3 points per game. A difference that big creates a David versus Goliath type match up. It's not like the Buckeyes have just warmed up lately either, they own the nations longest winning streak with 20 games won in a row dating back to last year. Expect a heavy dose of running back Carlos Hyde as they will look to pound the rock, move the chains, and chew up clock in hopes to get out of Purdue healthy in as quick of time as possible. Don't be surprised to see Ohio State's second and third string players in sooner rather than later in this game.
Wisconsin at Iowa
Wisconsin couldn't have asked for better timing with their week of rest before they get ready to play Iowa for the Heartland Trophy. These two teams know each other inside and out which their all time record between the two proves at 42-42-2 after 86 games. Their numerous contests between each other often pertains a heavy dose of running which gives a big advantage towards the Badgers with their two headed monster rushing attack with Melvin Gordon and James White pounding the rock and is why Wisconsin ranks eighth in the nation with 296.9 yards per game. Iowa however, led by stingy linebacker play, plays solid defense giving up only 18 points per game ranking them 12 nationally.
The Hawkeyes have plenty to play for as well as they seek to become bowl eligible and hope to be a player in the Division winners sweepstakes at the end of the year. The Badgers on the other hand are looking for a large BCS bid and would help their chances with a convincing win against their conference foe.
Michigan at Michigan State
What Devin Gardner will show up Saturday will be the determining factor on the outcome in this in state rivalry. Gardner has been a roller coaster of statistics this season, when breaking down just his last four games there is a scary trend. Four games were played, two at home and two on the road. The two games at home he played nearly flawless with zero interceptions and outstanding quarterback ratings. The two games on the road he was horrible, throwing four interceptions and averaging a 48 quarterback rating. Coach Brady Hoke has had plenty of time to fix the problems during the Wolverines bye week but will still need to execute perfectly to be effective against the Spartans best defense in the country.
Michigan State is 7-1 and a perfect 4-0 against Big Ten opponents and a large part of the credit can be issued to a defense that gives up just 12 points a game, third best in the nation. Spartan quarterback Connor Cook has had inconsistent play this year but has been afforded the luxury of playing with such an outstanding defense. Although, Cook has come on as of late throwing seven touchdowns and just two interceptions in his last four games, a terrifying thought to opposing teams. Michigan has just one loss as well as they fell to their conference opponent Penn State in four overtimes two weeks ago. Their averaging 42 points a game, but will need to make sure they protect the football and have a patient game plan against Michigan State as this will be a four quarter battle with the winner taking over the drivers seat in the Legends division. But more importantly, they'll hold the in state bragging rights for the next year which would make for a long off season for the loser.